kempt
English edit
Etymology edit
Originally a past participle of kemb, from Middle English kemben, from Old English cemban (“to comb”). Modern uses are back-formations from the negative unkempt. More at kemb, comb.
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
kempt
- (now humorous) Neat and tidy; especially used of hair.
- 1907, Barbara Baynton, edited by Sally Krimmer and Alan Lawson, Human Toll (Portable Australian Authors: Barbara Baynton), St Lucia: University of Queensland Press, published 1980, page 189:
- For a moment Boshy thought his senses were playing up with him, for there in the door entrance stood the identical girl - the same turkey-egg complexion, stubby nose, and her red hair only changed from unkempt to kempt.
- 1982, Michael Blodgett, Captain Blood, page iii. 342:
- He could see her now: middle-aged, gray hair, well kempt, European-looking.
Usage notes edit
Less common than unkempt. Often used in compound well-kempt or phrase “well kempt”, which may be criticized as redundant; compare well-groomed, well-kept.